There used to be a time when consoles were meant to lie horizontally, but more and more gamers are choosing to save space by placing them vertically.

This can cause one major issue: dust.

Credit: Microsoft

A Reddit user by the name of 6TF_ORB1T4L recently posted on the r/xboxone subreddit, citing cleaning stopped the console from crashing.

The user writes: “If you’re using a vertical stand make sure to remove it at least once a month and clean all the dust from the intake, my X was crashing on BO4, RDR2 and Hollow Knight and after cleaning it’s all fine. Thermal throttling can be a b*tch 😐.”

The reason for the build-up comes down to the intake vents right next to the stand. With a vertical stand, it’s incredibly easy for these vents to become clogged with household dust, much and pet hair.

Credit: Microsoft

Other console gamers were quick to sympathise with the issue – and thank the user for the pro tip.

One comment reads: “Going to do this as soon as I get home after work. Have had mine on the stand since last year. Thanks man.”

Another added: “Thanks for the tip! I tend to clean my Xbox once a month but I forgot there were intake vents near the stand! That’s gonna save me a lot of hassle when summer comes.”